How Saudi artists and calligraphers interpret the significance of Founding Day

How Saudi artists and calligraphers interpret the significance of Founding Day
Many artists and creatives across the region have been working to preserve legacies. Above, a pottery artist demonstrating the intricacies of the craft at Handicrafts Week. (AN photo)
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Updated 21 February 2024
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How Saudi artists and calligraphers interpret the significance of Founding Day

How Saudi artists and calligraphers interpret the significance of Founding Day
  • Vision, hard work and dedication of leaders praised at exhibition to commemorate the founding of the First Saudi State
  • Saudi artists welcome opportunity to reflect on the values and principles that guide the nation and unite its people

RIYADH: In 1727, the foundation stones of the First Saudi State were placed by Imam Mohammed ibn Saud. Centuries later, under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom is currently undergoing the most significant cultural renaissance in the modern Arab world.

Founding Day was first officially observed in 2022 and has become a great source of pride for Saudi Arabia’s citizens. With the holiday just around the corner, Saudi Arabia’s creatives took time to acknowledge the importance of commemorating such a momentous day.

For Ghofran Alsaeed, an interior designer and CEO of architect and design studio GWDESIGN, the annual celebration is a time to reflect on Saudi Arabia’s establishment and its significance in history.

“It allows us to honor the sacrifices and contributions of the nation’s founders, celebrate progress and achievements of Saudi Arabia, and reaffirm our commitment to the country’s development and prosperity. It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the values and principles that guide the nation and unite its people,” she told Arab News.

Last year, Alsaeed celebrated by participating in community events, and spending time with her family making green rice and dressing in the national color. She plans to continue the tradition this year by attending official ceremonies and cultural events.

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* 1727 Foundation stones of First Saudi State laid by Imam Mohammed ibn Saud.

“As a Saudi, I feel immense pride and gratitude witnessing the growth and prosperity of the Kingdom since its establishment centuries ago. It’s a testament to the vision, hard work, and dedication of our leaders and people,” said Alsaeed.

“However, it also reminds us of our responsibility to continue contributing to the progress of our beloved country,” she added.

The Kingdom has been celebrating its traditions and heritage with events including Handicraft Week and annual date festivals throughout the country. Other events held are the equestrian Saudi Cup and national holidays including Flag Day on March 11 and Saudi National Day on Sept. 23.

Noha A. Raheem, a calligraphy artist and interior designer, believes these annual celebrations play a vital role in reminding citizens of their shared history.

“This fosters a sense of national pride, unity, and belonging, ultimately strengthening social cohesion and solidarity across the country,” she told Arab News.

As a creative, she feels immense pride in seeing the remarkable growth and prosperity achieved over the years on the economic and cultural fronts. This includes the Kingdom’s advancements in design, education, healthcare, infrastructure and technology, to becoming a global player in various industries.

“Commemorating founding day is important as it allows us to acknowledge and appreciate the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements,” she said.




Under the leadership of King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Kingdom is currently undergoing the largest cultural renaissance in the modern Arab world. (AN photo)

The founding day has a special place in designer Amar Alamdar’s heart because of his familial contributions in the third Saudi state. He shared that his grandfather, Khalid Mustafa Alamdar, served in King Abdulaziz’s first Saudi Army due to his knowledge on artillery.

“Founding Day is to bring the people together to create a foundation — unite them. Any Arab or Muslim living there at the time became Saudi Arabian,” he said.

His grandfather made sure that all his children, Alamdar’s uncles, also served in the army, carrying on the legacy of their family.

Alamdar said he wants to encourage his peers to create artwork that incorporates Saudi Arabia’s historical roots. “What if they were celebrating this day at the time? What would our elders have done?”

Alamdar plans to put on an art exhibition in honor of the day that started it all, featuring 22 Saudi artists.




Entrepreneur and designer Princess Nourah AlFaisal highlights the efforts of her research-based design consulting firm Adhlal. (AN photo)

“We have an obligation to platform the country’s rich history that dates back to the 18th century. We have a unique opportunity to show our heritage and our unique history that was sometimes even doubted.”

“God bless the times that we are living in now under King Salman and the crown prince in our movement towards technology and adaptation to the future (which) is a phenomenon,” Alamdar said.

“We used to run, then speed up, and now we have to learn to fly. We need this technology to empower ourselves as much as we can,” he added.

In addition, Alamdar advised young people to open up their arms and embrace people of every nation.


Matcha lovers, anime fans flock to Japan Festival in Riyadh

Matcha lovers, anime fans flock to Japan Festival in Riyadh
Updated 9 sec ago
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Matcha lovers, anime fans flock to Japan Festival in Riyadh

Matcha lovers, anime fans flock to Japan Festival in Riyadh
  • Festival celebrates Japanese technology and products
  • Major car brands demonstrate new models

RIYADH: Thousands of people flocked to the Japan Festival held recently in Riyadh, which attracted businesspeople, matcha tea lovers, anime fans, and car enthusiasts alike.

Organized jointly by the Embassy of Japan, the Japan External Trade Organization, and the Japanese Society in Riyadh, the festival was held at the Saudi capital’s Cultural Palace and hosted around 8,000 visitors over two days.

A JETRO spokesperson told Arab News that more than a few Japanese have been keeping a close eye on Saudi Arabia’s future potential.

“For Japan, Saudi Arabia has been one of the most important trade partners due to two reasons. One is that Saudi Arabia has been the biggest exporter of crude oil to Japan and the other (is that) Saudi Arabia highly evaluates Japanese technologies, in particular transportation equipment,” the spokesperson said.

On Japan-Saudi exports, the JETRO spokesperson noted that Japanese exports to Saudi Arabia totaled $6.36 billion in 2023, up 25.2 percent from the previous year.

Of that total, transportation equipment accounted for 70.2 percent of total exports. Automobiles grew 31.3 percent to $4.25 billion, with passenger cars and buses/trucks growing 32.8 percent and 24.2 percent respectively.

Imports declined $34.78 billion, down 19.2 percent from the previous year. Crude oil and crude oil imports, which account for 95.7 percent of total imports, declined 17.9 percent to $33.3 billion due to lower crude oil prices and production cuts. In 2023, oil imports from Saudi Arabia accounted for 40.4 percent of Japan’s total.

Major car brands like Mitsubishi and Toyota were on display at the event, as well as several technology, beauty, art and recreational brands.

Trading house Itochu, and Kumon, the children’s educational network, were some of the big name brands participating in the event.

Stage performances showcased a number of Japanese cultural offerings including a drum performance by the students of the Japanese School in Riyadh, a martial arts demonstration, a tea ceremony, umbrella juggling, live painting, and performances of popular traditional and anime songs.

Guests were able to learn about Japanese tourism, play with traditional toys, learn origami, and try on a Japanese kimono or yukata.

Visitors were also educated on Japanese tourism, and enjoyed traditional Japanese toys, calligraphy and craft workshops.

In the booth area, Japanese industrial products with cutting-edge technology and Japanese cars from major brands were displayed.


Camel organization welcomes Saudi HQ approval

Camel organization welcomes Saudi HQ approval
Updated 3 min 49 sec ago
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Camel organization welcomes Saudi HQ approval

Camel organization welcomes Saudi HQ approval

RIYADH: The International Camel Organization welcomed the Saudi Cabinet’s decision to approve a headquarters agreement between the Kingdom’s government and the organization.

The decision reflects Saudi Arabia’s ongoing support for the camel sector and its efforts to elevate its role internationally, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Fahd bin Falah bin Hathleen, chairman of the camel organization, expressed his gratitude for the Cabinet’s decision.

He said: “The organization has worked over the years to develop strategies and policies to promote the global camel economy. These efforts aim to advance rural and desert communities, preserve heritage and culture, foster scientific research, and encourage camel-related sports that attract global interest.

“Additionally, we have organized international events, expanded partnerships with global organizations, and prioritized camel welfare, health, and regulations governing their movement.”

Bin Hathleen said that the Saudi Cabinet’s decision underscores the government’s commitment, under King Salman’s leadership, to strengthening the organization’s role and enhancing international cooperation in the camel sector.

He noted that the decision aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to foster sustainable development, support key sectors, and boost international collaboration to benefit camel breeders and owners locally, regionally, and globally.

This achievement also supports the Year of the Camel and the International Year of the Camelids 2024 initiatives, which are designed to highlight the untapped potential of the animals, SPA reported.

These initiatives advocate for increased investment, further research, capacity-building, and the adoption of innovative practices and technologies in the camel sector.


3rd Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway in Riyadh

3rd Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway in Riyadh
Updated 25 November 2024
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3rd Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway in Riyadh

3rd Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity underway in Riyadh
  • More than 300 talented individuals and local and international speakers from over 50 countries were attending the three-day conference

RIYADH: The third edition of the Global Conference for Giftedness and Creativity opened in Riyadh on Sunday, bringing together a select group of experts and talented individuals in science, technology, and innovation.

More than 300 talented individuals and local and international speakers from over 50 countries were attending the three-day conference, which was inaugurated by Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, governor of Riyadh region, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity, also known as "Mawhiba," the conference is being held at the King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) until Tuesday.

Themed "Beyond Creative Minds," the conference aims to showcase the potential of the gifted, develop a comprehensive care system to support them, bolster integration and strategic partnerships, and enhance opportunities for global exchange and cooperation.

An exhibition and various cultural visits are being held on the conference sidelines, the SPA report said.

According to the Mawhiba site, the conference reflects the success achieved in the two previous editions, and "provides an opportunity for partners to contribute to sponsoring the journey of talented people from different countries of the world."

 

 


Saudi-European talks to strengthen cooperation in environmental fields

Saudi-European talks to strengthen cooperation in environmental fields
Updated 25 November 2024
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Saudi-European talks to strengthen cooperation in environmental fields

Saudi-European talks to strengthen cooperation in environmental fields
  • Saudi minister, EU security and political officials discuss reinforcing existing work on coping with climate change

RIYADH: Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel Al-Jubeir met with European officials on Sunday in Riyadh, Saudi Press Agency reported.

Al-Jubeir, who is also the Saudi climate envoy, held talks with Delphine Pronk, chair of the EU Political and Security Committee, and Luigi Di Maio, EU special representative for the Gulf region.

They discussed issues surrounding climate change and environmental cooperation between Saudi Arabia and the EU, as well as ways in which existing cooperation on tackling climate change could be strengthened. They also talked about the recent development in foreign policy in Europe and the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia maintains a strong dialogue with the EU, with both parties sharing views on several foreign policy issues, including the Saudi-led Arab Peace Initiative for the Middle East.

The EU and Saudi Arabia are also linked through trade relations, with the EU becoming the Kingdom’s second main trading partner after the volume of trade exchange between Riyadh and Brussels peaked at $80 billion in 2023.


Saudi FM arrives in Italy to attend G7 ministerial meeting

Saudi FM arrives in Italy to attend G7 ministerial meeting
Updated 24 November 2024
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Saudi FM arrives in Italy to attend G7 ministerial meeting

Saudi FM arrives in Italy to attend G7 ministerial meeting

RIYADH: Saudi foreign minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Italy on Sunday to participate in an expanded ministerial meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) countries in Fiuggi, Saudi Press Agency reported. 

The meeting will discuss the current situation in the Middle East, SPA added.

During his stay in Fiuggi, Prince Faisal will hold a number of discussions that will address regional and international issues.